The Loyola Informer

Police blame squatters for petty crimes
by Angela Santos

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Loyola Heights police recently dispatched more men in squatters’ areas because a huge number of their residents were involved in petty crimes.

“If you consult our records, the suspects in crimes such as robbery and neighborhood fights usually involve residents from Marytown and Ronas Garden, the largest squatters’ areas here in Loyola,” Senior Police Inspector Felipe Llorico, said in Filipino. “The crimes usually happen during Saturday nights, when they’ve had too much too drink.”

The last crime report involving residents of these areas occurred at 1:45 p.m. Sunday. Alain Arcilla, 23 years old, was walking near Xavierville Two with an unnamed female companion when he was approached by two men and was kicked repeatedly from behind for no apparent reason.

He sustained no injuries.

The suspects were later identified as Christ Ajero and Toto Elipsya, residents of Marytown Village. They had no prior contact with the victim, and were under the influence of alcohol when the incident occured.

They were released by the police after Arcilla failed to submit a formal complaint.

“We cannot retain the suspects here past the reglamatory period of one day,” said P01 Graciano Macapagal. “The same suspects come up when crimes happen, because they don’t suffer the consequences. When victims do not sustain injuries, or have claimed their stolen belongings, they don’t file complaints anymore, and we cant do anything if there was no complaint made.”

Macapagal encourages the residents of Loyola Heights, particularly the complainants, to help them maintain peace and order in the area.

“We hope that the residents become concerned not only with their personal welfare, but the welfare of others in the neighborhood as well.”